WHEN it comes to improving Bathurst's Australia Day celebrations, it is newer citizens who are putting suggestions forward.
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Bathurst Regional Council's Australia Day committee met for a working party last week, where community members were invited to come along with feedback or ideas for future years.
Councillor Alex Christian said he was surprised to see the strong multicultural presence at the meeting.
Many of them were people who had gone through the citizenship process themselves.
"It was really, really interesting to see so many different people from different backgrounds come along." Cr Christian said.
"You could just see how passionate they were. It was really pleasing to see."
The suggestions for future Australia Day celebrations included utilising parks closer to the central business district, like Machattie Park or Berry Park, for family-friendly events.
The Eglinton barbecue breakfast would continue to be held, with people then able to move on to another event in town and the aquatic centre later in the afternoon.
Cr Christian said there was an "overwhelming feeling" to move away from Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (BMEC), where formal ceremonies were held in recent years, in favour of outdoor events.
It was also suggested that Bathurst's multiculturalism be incorporated into Australia Day and the Wiradyuri community involved in events.
"We feel it is important to have Aboriginal influence on the day and we certainly discussed reaching out to Aboriginal groups in the community," Cr Christian said.
The Australia Day committee will meet at a later date to further discuss Australia Day 2020, with the plan to then come in a report to councillors later this year.
